9 out of 10 pharmacists received influenza vaccinations in the 2017–18 season

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October 2, 2018

9 out of 10 pharmacists received influenza vaccinations in the 2017–18 season

MMWR: Vaccination far more likely in settings where it’s required

Pharmacists are second only to physicians in the number of health care personnel who received an influenza immunization for the 2017–18 influenza season, according to a study published in the September 28 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Overall, 78.4% of health care personnel reported receiving influenza vaccination for last season, with 96.1% of physicians, 92.2% of pharmacists, and 90.5% of nurses comprising the top three slots.

Researchers in the study compiled the results of an internet panel survey conducted for CDC between March 27 and April 17, 2018, with respondents recruited from Medscape and from panels operated by Survey Sampling International. Respondents included both clinical and nonclinical health care personnel. Influenza vaccine coverage was highest among those who worked in hospital settings at 91.9%, followed by ambulatory care at 75.1%, other clinical settings at 74.9%, and long-term care settings at 67.4%.

Coverage was required at 44.1% of respondents’ settings, where 94.8% of health care personnel were vaccinated. Those who worked in hospitals were most likely to report that vaccination was required. Where vaccination was not required, health care personnel were more likely to receive a vaccination if it was offered at their worksite or if their employer promoted it through financial incentives, competition between units or care areas, or other methods. Only 47.6% of health care personnel who worked in settings where there were no requirements or provisions for influenza vaccination were vaccinated. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that all health care personnel receive influenza vaccinations every year.